Major award for film about farmer Hannah Brown, who died from sepsis

Created by Birmingham-based Ark Media in partnership with the UK Sepsis Trust, the five-minute documentary told the story of 26-year-old Hannah Brown, who died on March 26, 2021, just two days after developing sepsis.

Sepsis, also known as blood poisoning, is the immune system’s overreaction to an infection or injury. If not treated immediately, sepsis can result in organ failure and death. However, with early diagnosis, it can be treated with antibiotics.

Hannah, originally from Newton-le-Willows, near Bedale, farmed at Dufton, near Appleby, in Cumbria with her fiancé Ben Richardson and their baby daughter, Millie, and was well known on the region’s stock-showing circuit.

Her sudden death from sepsis left the farming community in shock, prompting family and friends to join forces with the UK Sepsis Trust to launch a campaign raising awareness of the symptoms and treatment of sepsis. The campaign led to the making of the documentary, which featured interviews with Ben, and Hannah’s parents Martin and Val.

Film makers also spoke to Hannah’s friends at Westmorland County Show, and captured how the farming community came together at her funeral, in Dufton.

On Tuesday, March 21 – two years to the day since Hannah was admitted to hospital – Ben, Val and mother-in-law Dorne attended the charity film awards at the ODEON Luxe, in Leicester Square, to see her story win a special People’s Choice prize.

Ark Media CEO Phil Arkinstall said it was a privilege to pick up the award on behalf of all those who had campaigned in Hannah’s memory.

Brian Davies, Fundraising Manager at UK Sepsis Trust and Ark Media CEO Phil Arkinstall with the award. Image: ArkMedia

“It was an emotional night at the awards,” he said. “We were approached by the UK Sepsis Trust back in August last year about creating something that captured how well-known and loved Hannah had been within the farming community, while also highlighted the shock caused by her sudden loss, and the importance of spreading awareness of sepsis.

“We filmed it over two days last September, visiting places like the local Young Farmers Club, in Masham, who had been raising funds for UK Sepsis following her death, and found that everyone we talked to simply wanted to help spread the word about sepsis, and to talk fondly about Hannah.

“We are very proud of the film, and it was a real privilege to collect the award on behalf of everyone who campaigned in her memory.”